Key Takeaways
- Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino laments potential 'period of deception' if Manchester City breaches financial rules.
- Independent panel found City guilty of 114 out of 115 alleged breaches, facing possible sanctions.
- Pochettino suggests Chelsea should lose their 2016-17 Premier League title due to financial rule violations.
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed deep concern over Manchester City's potential financial breaches, describing the situation as a 'period of deception' if true.
On Monday, a soccer source confirmed that an independent panel had found Manchester City guilty of 114 out of 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, with only one remaining allegation unproven.
The sanctions against Manchester City could range from fines and point deductions to more severe penalties such as relegation, though the club has always denied any wrongdoing.
Pochettino, currently coaching the US men’s national team, stated, “Whatever punishment (they choose), it’s impossible to turn back time. It’s done a lot of damage.”
He further elaborated, “At the end of the day, many clubs followed the rules and some didn’t … What are they going to do? An economic punishment? Docking points? It’s really hard. It’s sad.”
Pochettino also pointed to Tottenham’s financial constraints during his tenure, noting, “I think we were the only team in the history of the Premier League with 18 months without (making a transfer),” suggesting strict financial rules affected their operations.
He added, “They were so strict with us but also so lenient with others. Because of that, that’s why I say, it’s all very strange.”
In a related matter, Pochettino suggested that Chelsea should be stripped of their 2016-17 Premier League title due to financial rule breaches, arguing that it should be handed to Tottenham instead.
Manchester City did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment outside regular business hours.
Whatever punishment (they choose), it’s impossible to turn back time. It’s done a lot of damage.
Mauricio Pochettino, Former Tottenham Hotspur manager, current coach of the US men’s national team
I think we were the only team in the history of the Premier League with 18 months without (making a transfer),
Mauricio Pochettino, Former Tottenham Hotspur manager, current coach of the US men’s national team
